1. 13 th April 2012 LO: - Examine the Poem A Birthday!

3. Easy Annotation... - Highlight the lines that contain repetition. - Count the number of syllables in each line (write the number at the end of the line). - Mark the rhyme scheme at the end of each line (eg. ABAB). - Underline the similes. - Explain what each simile means! Stanza One:

4. Stanza Two: - Count the number of syllables in each line (write the number at the end of the line). - Mark the rhyme scheme at the end of each line (eg. ABAB). - The second stanza describes a hypothetical dais...draw a picture of the dais beside the poem – make sure to add every detail that is described in the 2 nd stanza. (see next slide for some images of the objects described in the stanza) Easy Annotation...

6. Formulate an Answer for these in your books: 1) What is the effect of the entire poem using a regular metre, quite simple rhymes and simple natural images? 2) What is the meaning of the phrase, the birthday of my life? (also think, who are birthdays most important to?) 3) How effective is the image of a person standing on a dais to represent the feeling of being in love? (is it a realistic image? Is this person “used” to being in love?)

7. Your version of the poem You are going to create your own two (4 line) stanza version of this poem. The main aim is to re-create the light-hearted, child-like TONE of the poem. You don't have to write about LOVE... TOPIC: How you feel when you are sitting in English class. Stanza One: Lines 1 and 2: Use a simile (from nature) to describe the feeling of being in English class. Make sure each line has an equal number of syllables. Lines 3 and 4: Use a different simile (from nature) to describe the feeling of being in English class. Make sure each line has an equal number of syllables. Make sure line 4 rhymes with line 2.

8. Your version of the poem You are going to create your own two (4 line) stanza version of this poem. The main aim is to re-create the light-hearted, child-like TONE of the poem. You don't have to write about LOVE... TOPIC: How you feel when you are sitting in English Class. Stanza Two: Lines 1 and 2: Use imagery to describe yourself in an unrealistically wonderful place. Make sure each line has an equal number of syllables. Line 3: Continue to describe yourself in an unrealistically wonderful place. Make sure this line has the same number of syllables as line 2. Line 4: You must make mention of the fact that you are in English class. This line should rhyme with line 2. Make sure this line has the same number of syllables as line 3.

9. Perform your POEMS...